Reason for optimism: He's 6-foot-4, 204 pounds and has solid offensive skills. He has yet to display them in the NHL, since last year he was used more as a shut- down defender. But under new coach Peter Laviolette, he could blossom with his skating ability and creativity with the puck. It's hard to find Ekholm's blend of size and mobility around the NHL, especially from the blueline.

Reason for pessimism: He's 24 years old and hasn't completely figured out the NHL game. He was an offensive dynamo in Sweden, but nine points in 62 games in the NHL is not going to cut it. He'll have to develop an attacking-style game to thrive with the Predators.

Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm escapes the hit of Colorado Avalanche center Maxime Talbot during the second period at Bridgestone Arena on March 25, 2014. (Photo: Sanford Myers / The Tennessean)

Buffalo Sabres center Cody Hodgson tries to maneuver past Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm while trying to get control of the puck in the third period at Bridgestone Arena on March 27, 2014. (Photo: Mark Zaleski / AP)